Overview

Although the MPV has fallen out of fashion, its spirit lives on in the Honda Jazz. It might be small on the outside, but it’s one of the most spacious superminis inside and has flexible rear seats allowing it to carry bulky items. This small hybrid has a monobox silhouette, with even bi-coloured versions on the biggest wheels looking like shrunken people carriers.

It’s for this reason the Jazz has practicality that punches above its size – it competes with the best small family cars on interior space, but within the footprint of a supermini.

There are a range of trims available from spartan SE to kit-laden EX Style, but all share the same hybrid powerplant. This combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an automatic gearbox, electric motor and small battery pack to keep CO2 emissions barely above 100g/km and claimed economy in the low 60s mpg. Given Honda’s reputation for reliability as well, the Jazz is a thoroughly sensible choice.

Its most natural competitor is the Toyota Yaris, another super-efficient hybrid though not one blessed with a large interior. The Renault Clio is also available as a hybrid, and has just been updated.. Those just after a practical supermini should look at the Skoda Fabia, a 2023 Parkers Car of the Year award winner.

There are certainly options in that list that are more enjoyable to drive, but there’s a reason for the Jazz’s reluctance in corners. Soft suspension means it’s one of the comfiest cars in its class making long journeys a painless affair, especially given the impressive real-world economy and pleasant interior.

So, should you buy a Jazz over all its small car competitors? To find out, stay with us over the next few pages to find out how it stacks up for space and practicality, how plush the interior is and how easy it is to use, safety, running costs and what it’s like to drive. Furthermore, we’ll tell you how the Jazz stacks up compared to the competition.